Liatris pycnostachya
Kansas gay feather
An upright, clump-forming, short-lived perennial to 1.5m tall with basal tufts of narrow, lance-shaped dark green leaves from which arise the tall flowering stems in summer with feathery flowerheads of many small purple-pink flowers opening from top to bottom
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Genus
Liatris are herbaceous perennials with narrow, grass-like foliage and erect, bottlebrush-like spikes of flowers which open from the top down
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C and E USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is not wet overwinter; full sun is essential
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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